Thumbsucker

Soren has always had a way of shoving his fist into his mouth, but this week he has been able to single out the most important digit - the thumb. He is also moving into his self-soothe faze with this new skill. The best part about self-soothing is laying a child in his crib for the night with his eye's wide open, giving a kiss with a "Mommy and Daddy love you", walking out the door and peeking in 2 minutes later to a sound asleep babe. Let's top that off with a solid 9 hours for the little fella!

Atlanta, I Hear You Calling

Soren had his first traveling adventure last weekend to Atlanta, Georgia. It was a mini SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design) baby reunion. We spent time with my old roomate Natalie and her 15 month old daughter Madeline. Fellow photo grad Amanda and her husband Phil with their 11 month old son Pierson drove over from Alabama. We all had a fabulous weekend catching up and laughing over our new lives. Soren proved to be a wonderful traveler and I can't wait to explore the world with him in the future.

Madeline, Natalie, Soren and I

Soren's first kiss from Madeline

Randy, Soren, Phil and Pierson

Strolling dads

Soren and Pierson in the bath

Amanda, Pierson, Soren and I

First Diploma

Soren received is first "diploma" this week from the University of Minnesota. He participated in the Institute of Child Development's infant visual perception research. They are investigating the ability of infants to determine depth through line drawings and a computer generated duck that grows and shrinks in size. We are game to trying anything, even if it is just for a professor to get an article published and maintain his tenure.......

3 Month Old Festivities

So here is how Soren spent his three month old birthday today. Playing and laughing with his monkey Verde, practicing tummy time in his crib (and airing out his cute derriere), and finally hanging out at Kai's house playing with Kai and Quin.

Funny Sleeper

I have to share this image, mainly because it is so funny. This is one of Soren's favorite sleeping positions, arms up, stiff as a board. He could be in his car seat, the stroller, or in our arms and he will at some point always strike this pose.

100 Promises to My Baby

I have just finished reading this wonderful, spiritual book by Mallika Chopra, the daughter of Deepak Chopra. In her introduction - she sums up beautifully the love that is in my heart and soul for dear Soren.

My Darling Baby -
You have changed my life forever. You have gifted me with your sacred presence and unleashed a love that has no limits. I treasure the memory of feeling you grow inside my womb - the total awe of nurturing a life inside me, the miracle of creating a new indiviual. You have made me feel fully alive and aware, humble, inspired, and divine.

I just need to look at you, and my heart melts with joy and love. I marvel at your every movement, your every cry, your every smile, your every word, and your every moment of existence. Despite all the uncertainty, the sleepless nights, the struggles to adjust to new ways, and the question about whether I am raising you in the right way, I have never doubted that you are the greatest, most sacred gift I have ever received.

I watch the world present iteslf to you, and I marvel at the wonder in your eyes. I look forward to our lifelong journey of discovery and helping you create endless possibilities for your wonderful future. I am humbled day after day by the lessons that you teach me.

It is my desire that you grow up surrounded by love, joy, security, and freedom, that you feel unbound energy and passion in every moment. I hope you sense the magic and beauty of life and are empowered to create a difference in your world.

I love you, my little angel, with all my heart, and I am honored to share my life with you.

Your adoring mother - Mallika